A TAXI driver was stabbed and left bleeding with a punctured lung in an early-hours robbery by a passenger.

Today Blue Line cabbie Tony Giblin, 31, is in Newcastle General Hospital.

New dad Mr Giblin hadn’t realised how seriously injured he was during the attack in Newcastle’s East End.

He was stabbed with a screwdriver in the right side of his chest, punched and kicked by the assailant, who robbed him of his wallet.

An accomplice, who had also been a passenger in the car, had a knife.

The driver managed to stagger to Clifford Street Police Station after being chased and attacked, and alerted officers through the emergency phone outside as the station was shut at around 2am today.

His condition is said to be serious but not life-threatening. He was expected to be released this afternoon.

As police appealed for witnesses, Mr Giblin’s wife, Anne-Marie, told of her horror.

Mrs Giblin of Willington Quay, said: “I thought he had died when police came to my door at 4.20am.

“It was sickening to hear he had been stabbed. How could anyone do this for a few pounds?

“Fortunately, Tony is stable and they have given him thorough treatment. I would ask anyone who may have seen these people or who knows who they are to contact police.”

Mrs Giblin said her husband was still in shock. She added: “He said they were both wearing hoodies. The one who stabbed him had a distinctive scar on his face and wore a blue Berghaus jacket with a white baseball cap. He said the other wore a dark baseball cap and he thought he had been carrying a knife.”

Det Insp Lee Buzzeo said: “The driver had picked up two men and two women from outside and address in the East End.

“The women were dropped off outside St Peter’s Club, and then he was asked to drive to Whickham Gardens in Byker, by the men.

“When he pulled up one of the men threatened him. He managed to flee his vehicle but was attacked.”

Police are trawling CCTV for images of the passengers, including the man who carried out the attack.

It is thought the driver may have been lured to an address at Thornley Road to pick up the passengers.

A spokesperson for Blue Line Taxis said: “We have growing concerns. This is happening more often to drivers.”

Anyone with information is asked to ring Byker CID on (0191) 214 6555 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.